Best Dota Coaches in History – Our Top 5

The world of Dota 2 isn’t just shaped by the players on the frontline. Behind every legendary team is a person pulling the strings – a mastermind coach. The best Dota coaches are the brains who dissect strategies, manage egos, and bring out the full potential from players. Let’s go over the five greatest coaches in Dota 2 history. 

#1 Airat “Silent” Gaziev

Silent’s journey from professional player to coaching legend is the kind of story that Dota dreams are made of. The Russian’s career as a carry player started in 2012, where he played for Team Empire and Winstrike, earning multiple TI qualifications. However, in 2020, Silent transitioned into a coaching role, a decision that allowed him to truly leave his mark.

He was recruited by Team Spirit and was tasked to assemble a new lineup. Not only did he pick pub players with brimming potential – he turned them into legends. Silent was the mastermind behind Team Spirit’s unforgettable run at The International 10, where his mentorship turned young talents like Yatoro and Collapse into some of the best Dota players the scene has ever seen, now helped by one of the best Dota coaches of all time. 

• Notable Teams: Team Spirit
• TI Appearances (As Coach): 4
• Major Wins: The International 2021, PGL Arlington Major 2022, Riyadh Masters 2023, The International 2023

#2 Kurtis “Aui_2000” Ling

Aui_2000’s story is inspiring, as it is one of resilience and versatility. The Canadian lifted the Aegis at The International 5 with Evil Geniuses, tasting the highest glory as a player – but he was hungry for more. 

He bounced between playing competitively and coaching before fully committing to the sidelines with Tundra Esports, when he was signed in late 2021. This move paid off big time. A year later, Aui_2000 would become the first person to ever win The International both as a player and as a coach, as his calculated drafts helped Tundra Esports win The International 2022. 

• Notable Teams: Tundra Esports, Team Falcons
• TI Appearances (As Coach): 6
• Major Wins: The International 2022, ESL One Birmingham 2024, BetBoom Dacha Dubai 2024, BetBoom Dacha Belgrade 2024

#3 Zhang “xiao8” Ning

Chinese legend xiao8’s name is etched in Dota history as both a fearless player and a masterful coach. Starting his career back in 2011, xiao8 rose to the ranks and got his crowning moment at The International 4 when he lifted the Aegis and won $5,000,000 with his team. His career as a player continued with multiple podium finishes at Tier 1 events, including The International 2015. 

The call to become a dedicated coach came in 2020, where he took the helm of the legendary LGD Gaming roster that was favored to win The International 10. Though his team fell short in the finals, xiao8 stands tall as the best coach that has ever come from China. He’s a true icon that has left an immense impact on the game. 

• Notable Teams: LGD Gaming, EHOME
• TI Appearances (As Coach): 3
• Major Wins: Riyadh Masters 2022, WePlay AniMajor 2021, The Bucharest Minor

#4 Lee “SunBhie” Jeong-jae

SunBhie might not have a TI trophy to his name like the others do, but calling him anything less than one of the best Dota coaches would be a huge oversight. SunBhie made a name for himself from 2017 to 2019, where he coached one of the most dominant Team Secret rosters ever, guiding them to multiple Tier 1 wins including two Majors. 

SunBhie didn’t rest on past successes. Instead, he took a risk and brought his expertise to Southeast Asia to help the region develop. He worked with Fnatic and then Talon Esports, leading the inexperienced squad to a third-place finish at Riyadh Masters 2023 to bag $1,700,000. His coaching magic isn’t limited to just the big names – he builds winners wherever he goes. 

• Notable Teams: Team Secret, Fnatic, Talon Esports
• TI Appearances (As Coach): 8
• Major Wins: MDL Disneyland Paris Major 2019, The Chongqing Major 2019, DreamLeague Season 8

#5 William “Blitz” Lee

From player, to talent, to coach – Blitz is the ultimate all-rounder and one of the best Dota coaches out there today. While his playing days didn’t bring major glory, Blitz stayed deeply involved in the Dota 2 scene with his passion for the game.

Known for his honesty and relentless work ethic, Blitz got a call from Team Liquid to become the team’s coach in 2019. He stuck with the team through every up and down, displaying unwavering patience and dedication. After a string of second-place finishes at numerous Tier 1 events, Blitz’s efforts finally paid off with a glorious win at The International 2024.

Today, Team Liquid remains one of the most consistent teams in the professional Dota 2 scene, which serves as a testament to Blitz’s assistance behind the scenes. 

• Notable Teams: Team Liquid, Digital Chaos
• TI Appearances (As Coach): 3
• Major Wins: ESL One Genting 2017, The International 2024